Magnus Lightwood-Bane

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It wasn’t until he caught sight of the warlock tossing a piece of clothing to the side, that Scott actually took a moment to look around. “Sorry… we haven’t really been home,” he excused himself with a small, apologetic smile. Even with work, school and training, Scott had been pretty good at keeping the house clean—he had to or Derek would kick them out. However, even after quitting veterinary school and taking a few weeks off work, helping Stiles and their current issues had taken all of his attention.

It did intrigue Scott that the warlock added something to his juice. It smelled like liquor, but… seeing he was the Magnus Lightwood-Bane… Just liquor seemed too mundane. When it was offered to him, Scott politely decline with a bright smile, taking a seat himself. He listened closely as Magnus explained the variation on prices. That presented a problem in itself… Had there been any type of set pricing system, things might be smoother.

“I understand. I didn’t mean to insult you or anything, Mr. LB,” Scott assured, taking his comment as a sign that he may have insulted the warlock by asking for a price. “Well… I was thinking we can use your magic to protect the hospital and the schools? The local Druid is out of town… and well, you can see how mountain ash is counterproductive in this situation.” It was bold and pretentious to ask for all that, Scott understood it as well as he understood that it was greedy. However, if the means existed…. why not? Why not make sure people were safe in places of healing and learning?

-

The warlock offers a sympathetic smile, “Boys will be boys.” It seemed to be one of the few ways to use that phrase in a correct manner. He couldn’t fault anyone for not being the most tidy of recent, lord knows without his magic Magnus found chores to be tedious things. It just so happened that Alexander was raised with the tidiness of the Clave. 

Magnus lets out a laugh, “Insulted? I haven’t gone through centuries of life sweet boy, it takes a bit more than questions to offend. Its always good to ask what you’re going to owe, especially when dealing with Warlocks. I’ll be the first to admit that.” He felt most of his dealings were fair, more than fair in some cases but he also knew others of his kind. 

Hearing the large scope that the young alpha wanted to cover Magnus saw a means of getting in well with the young man. Which the UWA wanted and it seemed to be the thing to do in the way of keeping up with the safety of the town. Rubbing his chin Magnus thought about how to phrase this, working for the whole town seemed like a good way to get in a good light and honestly he wanted to help anyone who needed it. “I tell you what, I’ll do the schools, hospital and your own home for something much more valuable than any amount of money. Trust. Not something given lightly, I know however I am new to this town and as a member of the UWA’s council it means more than anything to have connections with locals.”

–

Boyd just raised his eyebrow at the warlock, a small smirk curling up his lips. “I wouldn’t have invited you here if for one moment I thought you were out to hurt me. Besides,” he shrugged, “I’m pretty sure I’ve been through worse.” With that, he nodded at Mr. Lig- Magnus to follow him into the kitchen but didn’t wait to see if he followed him. Opening his cupboard, he took two glasses, filling them with ice. “I’m not exactly sure how wards work,” he admitted, “but preferably I’d be looking for something to keep everyone but a few chosen people out, unless I invite them in? Is that something that could be done?” While he talked, he had taken out a few different liquor bottles. “Do you have any preference?” He asked as he pointed at the bottles of vodka, gin and rum.

-

The warlock gives a slight shrug, “It wouldn’t be the first nor likely the last time someone wanted or needed my help and yet was...uneasy with the fact I could hurt them. Not to mention their reservations based on my bloodline.” Magnus explains with a wave of his hand, not that he let that kind of thing would stop Magnus, he was used to it even if it could sting. “Well wards are a magical force field that I will put in place around your home, keeping those you don’t wish to enter from doing so. Not to toot my own horn but my wards are known for the durability.” He remarks looking at his polished nails before smiling. “So in short, yes. I can do that. No one will be able to come in unless you invite them.” He wondered what sort of trouble the young wolf was expecting but honestly it hardly mattered. Magnus was just to ensure that his wards worked correctly. “Usually anything wet but seeing vodka there that will do.”

–

Magnus seemed pretty tense himself, Alec noticed. It was obvious that both of them had something on their minds and wasn’t that something that didn’t really help Alec feel calmer.

“It’s good I come prepared then,” he replied softly before stepping up to Magnus and kissing him on the cheek. “Sit down with me and at least while we’re eating, let’s forget everything else around us.”

-

Magnus smiles leaning into the kiss placed on his cheek by his husband as he walks into the room and he squeezes Alec’s hand. “How lucky I am.” He remarks moving to get a bottle of wine to go along with dinner. “What is there? We got everything we need right here.” He adds with a smile pouring the glasses and setting them down at their settings. 

He felt that completely however he wasn’t foolish enough to believe the outside world could be ignored forever. But they weren’t asking for that long, a simple evening to enjoy together in peace, it was the best anyone in any form of leadership could ask for while the world was so close to exploding. 

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The warlock seemed a little confused, but now Scott felt awkward to have to correct him again—seeing how he mistook his name for Just and Scott for a middle name. However, all thought was dropped at Magnus’ answer to the werewolf’s question about Alec. The warlock’s words didn’t answer whether Alec was alright or not… “Oh… Sorry,” he decided was the appropriate reply when Magnus shared his husband and him would have to skip date nights. At least, Scott could relate to that.

Soon, Scott’s bright smile was back on his lips as the warlock agreed to come with and help as he could. “You’ll let me know when you try it,” Scott countered with a smile when Magnus asked who could’ve denied his invitation. Leading the warlock up to his loft, Scott opened the door and motioned for his guest to enter first. Stiles was still not coming home and Liam should’ve been at school, unless a packmate came looking for him, Scott was sure they had some time to speak privately. “You can take a seat wherever,” he offered, motioning to the living room. After serving two tall glasses of juice, he offered one to Magnus. “So, I guess… I’ll start with the easiest question? How much are your services?” he asked. After all, he needed to know how much money to ask Derek for.

-

The warlock chuckles lightly and shakes his head, “Not to worry. Comes with the territory and if magic can’t find a way...” He shrugs leaving his train of thought out in the open with no certain answer. The alpha would either understand or perhaps not be as advanced as the warlock assumed. Following the young man to the loft, he looked around; there was a lot that Magnus could pull personally from looking around ones home, hobbies, likes, dislikes and of course diving deeper into their personal lives. From what he saw it was close to a frat house. Young men living together, papers seemed to fly freely time to time, looked anywhere research of students or a paranoid conspiracy theorists. 

Picking up a jersey the warlock offers a polite smile before tossing it over to another chair as he takes a seat. With a glass of juice offered to him he could almost bless this poor boy’s heart for the sweet hospitality. “Wonderful I was just thinking how great a drink would be.” Pulling his flask out of his jacket he opens it and pours some of the gin into the juice and offers it to the wolf politely. 

Taking a long sip of the juice the warlock raises a finger, “Ah yes, easy question, not so easy answer.” He remarks placing the glass down in front of him. “Price often varies, depending on client, location and what they are asking for. The larger the spell, the higher the price, the more dangerous as well. Sometimes its money I ask for, rare items or even an favor.” Magnus explains crossing his leg over his knee.  “But anything I sell is well worth the asking price.” He smirks at the idea of how many jokes he could likely make that would make this poor boy uncomfortable. “So how about you just let me know what it is that you need and I can better explain.”

Theo let out a snort before smirking. “I guess I’m smarter than you then. Because I’m not as old as you and I know that.” Theo teased with a smirk as he looked at the other. But then he heard the other man’s words…An IOU? “Like a favor? Sure, I’m down for that.” Theo said with a shrug of his shoulders as he heard the other man’s words. Theo was pretty sure he could handle owing this guy a favor in exchange for the piece of mind that this favor would bring him. “And yeah. The McCalls would be the one. You know them?” Theo asked with a raised eyebrow.

-

“Unfortunately, age doesn’t always guarantee wisdom, experience usually does.” He knew many of warlocks as old as or even older than him that he wouldn’t call wise. He nods, “A favor is just what I mean. Its a common trade for warlocks, money after all is a dime a dozen.” He had more money than he knew what to do with and honestly he enjoyed it, never having to scrap the bottom again. “Not personally, no. Though its hard not to have heard of the True Alpha in my line of work.”

(closed starter for @warlockbanewood)

It had been a long day and if Alec was being honest, all that he wanted was to just have a nice dinner with his husband, potentially cuddle up on the couch for a bit and just relax; but this was too important to keep from Magnus.

Instead, Alec had set up a nice dinner anyway - had gotten some food at Beacon’s Diner -, had lighted up some candles and was just mixing a martini when he felt Magnus come home. 

With a smile, that he knew wasn’t able to cover up how tense he was, he turned to Magnus, just as he started pouring the drink into the glasses.

“Welcome home, I hope you’re hungry.”

-

Opening a portal home was the most inviting part of his day, he spent most of it going around the town to make connections within it for the UWA, granting some magic favors in turn for some good will. He was exhausted and wanted to shut down for the evening however there were somethings he needed to talk to his husband about and they weren’t extremely easy topics. 

Stepping out of his office he was halted by the candle light and the smell of food, offering a small smile at the sentiment. “Absolutely famished actually.” He replied feeling the weight of the world leaving his shoulders seeing this extremely domestic display.

.

𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 day in the town for the young werewolf, she was trying to hide the fact how bad it smelled inside that place, she was sure if someone walked inside that place, even if they didn’t have that ability they would be able to comment on how bad it smelled. It wasn’t Kelly’s fault, she just got there, but maybe the motel she chose wasn’t the best in town, yet it was the one she could pay with the money she got. The girl was getting her things out of the duffle bag when she was that man appearing in the little room. Her eyes shining yellow at his presence, she wasn’t expecting anyone, she didn’t know anyone there. “I think you got to the wrong place” she said softly feeling her heart race. “Who are you?”

-

Finding the frightened young wolf Magnus sighs, “Its always the sketchy motel meets you have to question.” He says to himself, it wasn’t the first time he went somewhere unsavory in the name of business. Taking in a deep breath he places a smile on his face, “Sorry about the barging in Darling. Bad information or maybe old...Magnus Lightwood-Bane.” He introduces himself before looking around the room trying to keep his face straight, “I’m not one to judge but I have to say, I hope you’re just doing seedy business in here and not actually thinking of sleeping in this bed?”

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Since the carnival, Ryn had been keeping herself to herself, leaving the house only for work, and being very hesitant about leaving her daughter for long. But the girl missed going to school, and she knew that unless she mixed more with humans, she wouldn’t find a healthy balance between land and sea. It had therefore been through word of mouth that she happened to arrange for Magnus to come to her home.

“Hello, yes.” She nodded, stepping forward, watching him carefully. “You are a warlock? You can help protect my family?”

-

It was an unique experience to say the least, Merfolk were notorious for their secretive and isolated ways of life, staying the in deeps. Magnus had few encounters with them and before then he had expected their stories to be simple myth. “I am, Magnus Lightwood-bane at your service. I do offer ward placements.” He looks around the home, sensing no magic within the walls other than the essence of mermaid. “You want protections placed around your home?”

.

To say he preened at having his cafe complimented by someone he admired, would be understating things. Sam grinned broadly, practically lighting up the room with it.

“Yes! My first attempt at a stationary cafe ended in flames, not literally, so I was worried it wouldn’t work out. But here we are,” he nodded to a customer he recognised as a regular.

Sam had heard of their marriage and that it had shaken the Clave, but the details hadn’t made it down the grape vine, especially when the Shadowhunters were trying to keep things hush hush. “Really? I didn’t know you’d had it in-house so to speak- not to be nosy.”

Listening to Magnus talk of his husband, his achievements and praising him for it all, reminded Sam of himself talking about Nathaniel. As successful as the cafe was, most of the earnings came from Nathaniel’s job and Sam could never stop singing the man’s praises at how hard he worked while still finding time for his family. Nathaniel was the best thing to ever happen to Sam, before Cherry came along that is, and it seemed Magnus was of the same mind concerning Alexander.

“I means a lot to have that reassurance. Difficult to believe people are really on our side all the time, and information that comes through from the Clave and the UWA seem to be ever changing… You sound like a pretty good politician, if there is such a thing; might I ask what brings you to our humble town?” Recent developments, such as a devastating massacre in the carnival for example, sprung to Sam’s mind as to why Magnus was here.

-

Magnus waves off Sam’s notion of being nosy, “Nonsense, who doesn’t like to brag about their wedding? It wasn’t on the beach or in a romantic historical location but we certainly loved the splash it made.” Being married was never something Magnus saw himself doing, it wasn’t a common practice for immortal beings but than again Alec wasn’t like anyone else that Magnus had met before. 

“The Clave and UWA have many policies that change with trial and error, its the first time we’ve had to work around the whole world knowing about us downworlders. Laws need to change, how laws are enforced and just plain world view in many eyes.” It was exciting actually, to have lived centuries and get to see the world tilt on is axis, to see downworlders embrace who and what they were to all. 

He laughs, “Well I will take that as a compliment, who would have thought that a warlock politician would seem like the honest one.” Magnus could see the irony and enjoy the amusement it brought him. “Funny you ask, its mostly politics. This little town as been whispered about for years in the warlock community at least, none really came due to the large population of wolves, no one wants to poke a territory conflict. Its growing aura since the unveiling makes it more and more difficult to ignore. Are you a native to the little town?”

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Taken aback by Magnus’ knowledge of his status, Scott couldn’t help blinking wordlessly for a moment. He knew he should’ve been used to it by then, but it was definitely still a struggle. He also couldn’t join with strangers’ intrigue. Sure, more than once he had stood up to adversity when the average Alpha would’ve folded… But that wasn’t all that great, and he wasn’t the only one capable of it. For Scott, there was nothing extraordinary about being a True Alpha. “I’m just Scott,” he dismissed politely with a smile.

“Yea, it was…. intense… It’s Alec ok?” he asked, looking back to the warlock with a furrowed brow, worry shamelessly displayed across his features. “Well, I had a couple of questions that maybe you can help me with.” If he was to find out whether his hypothesis about portals was true, he might as well ask Magnus Lightwood-Bane, right? “Want to come in? My mom just brought me some soursop juice she made from scratch,” he offered with a bright smile, leading Magnus towards the stairs.

-

The warlock smiles, “No need to sweat, Just Scott.” Humble, seems about right for someone who has the True Alpha status. It was a charming trait that he thought was mostly dead to the world Magnus found being humble had its time and place. He did enjoy the phrase, ‘speak softly and carry a big stick’ for a reason. “Alexander has a knack for being just fine in tough situations or at least coming out well enough in the end. He’s got more work on his plate, though don’t we all?” The crazed reactions from vampires and Wendigos caused a whirlwind for them all in the area, not to mention those in leadership. “Date nights will be on hold till some answers come forward.”

Magnus raises his brow and gives a nod of his head, “Anything I can help with, I’d be happy to of course.” He wasn’t sure if he knew anymore about the things going on in town than the alpha but there might be details the young wolf asks about that paint a vivid picture to the warlock even if it was unclear to others. “Who can say no to mom’s homemade soursop juice?” While Magnus’ tone was playful, he did find that the young man’s relationship with his mother, as little as Magnus has seen noted in the making of juice, endearing. A lucky life that many took for granted.

Theo let out a huff and shook his head. “Some things happened when I was younger that had me a bit…Fucked up in the head. The skinwalkers had a kitsune use a sword to trap me into some type of prison that had my dead sister pulling her heart out of me over and over again.” Theo’s fist clenched tighter and tighter the more he talked. “I’m never going to feel safe or feel like I trust that pack again until that sword is destroyed, but I doubt that’s going to happen any time soon.” Theo said with a snort and a shake of his head. “Money is no issue. I’ll find a way to get it one way or the other. Something I could wear or keep on me would be great just so they can’t catch me off guard.” 

-

Magnus gives a sympathetic smile to the young lad, “Hmm, that does sound like something to hire a warlock over. Lucky for you I feel a sense of pity of those who have a dreadful past to shed. Being one with such a past, get as old as me and you tend to realize everyone has a history.” He could relate and though the death of his stepfather was a sin Alexander told him he was absolved of, it wasn’t as easy as that. Even if it might have taken the brunt of the burden from his shoulders. “The local pack? Scott McCalls?” Magnus asks pondering it, he had to wonder if holding something like that over someone’s head was justified. People had pasts, no one could ever help that but holding them to it might be harsh. “I can fashion you something to help with that, something not too gawky given your profession.” Besides Magnus didn’t do tacky if he could avoid it, “As for payment, I don’t usually take installments but how about an IOU fashion? Never know when I might need a favor from a downworlder from here.”

—

“The only time I ever left this county was to get examined by a specialist or twelve.” The kitty on her stomach, no doubt annoyed by the sudden influx of sound, finally saw fit to free her. Erica turned then, pushing herself upright on the couch. 

“I don’t know if I’m ready for leather yet.” It didn’t settle right with her: to wear her unofficial pack uniform, even if she and Derek had finally cleared some of the air. Leather was something she had to earn. 

She gave Magnus a grin, his excitement helping mute the ever-present negative voices clawing at her brain. “But I do miss a bit of color.” Maybe not the bright turquoise of her freshly turned youth, but something more… her. “You’re not going to listen to me if I ask you to not go overboard, are you?” 

-

Magnus paused looking at the young wolf, “That- is a crime in itself but I’ll excuse it on the grounds of you not having the pleasure of knowing me.” He offers with a grin. Whatever Erica’s life was like before her death the warlock just knew he wanted to offer what he could be sure she was okay. She was a downworlder who needed people to care and Magnus was one who wasn’t going to let anyone wonder if someone was there for them. 

Magnus ponders it for a moment, “Alright, well we can start with something softer, though I will draw a line at pleather.” He shudders thinking of the cheap knock off leather. He grins offering his polished hand to her, “I don’t know the meaning of ‘overboard’ but I assure you that there’s no such thing as far as getting a decent wardrobe together.” Snapping his fingers a portal appears behind them, “Deep breaths, portal travel can make people a little weak in the stomach.”

–

Boyd hummed in response to the warlock’s apology. “I don’t mind saying Mr. Lightwood-Bane,” he replied, “but if you prefer Magnus, I can do that.” At least while he was talking to him directly. 

Not quite knowing how to go from here - he had never hired a warlock to ward up his place before - he just nodded toward his dining area. “Do you want to get started right away or would you like something to eat or drink first?”

-

Magnus chuckles, “What a polite young man, how adorable.” He looks around the house and follows the others lead towards the dining area. “Well why don’t you tell me a little bit about what you’re looking for? Wards yes, though are you looking to keep all out or have parameters?” It wasn’t a terrible space, not as large as many of his clients but that only made his job easier. 

“Though I never find myself turning down a drink.” He admits with a small shrug of his shoulders. “And anything to get you to relax dear boy, honestly you won’t feel any pain.” He giggles shaking his head.

.

As his brother-in-law sat down, Jace sat down opposite him, leaning forward and listening as he spoke, raising his eyebrow at the mention of joining the UWA. Jace would be lying if he said he hadn’t thought about the possibility of the other organisations out there, especially with the Clave having so little control over things. 

“I’m guessing the Clave don’t know the UWA are having you headhunt, can’t imagine they’d be too happy with that.” He joked, shaking his head, taking up his glass and having another drink. There was inner conflict, that was for sure. The legacy of the Herondale name was firmly on his shoulders, and he couldn’t imagine his grandmother would’ve ever been okay with him turning his back on the Clave.

“Do you honestly think the UWA can manage things better than the Clave? For downworlders, mundanes, and shadowhunters alike?” He asked, looking up at Magnus again. “I’m asking you as a warlock, not as a representative of them. If you truly think things can be better under them… I can consider it.”

-

Magnus lets out a small chuckle, “I would hate to think of the headache that poor Alexander would have to worry about if they knew.” He hoped that certainly wouldn’t be the case but they each had morals they had to live up to. Alexander had done wonders in the changes that the clave had made, it was going in a better direction than it had been in centuries but even as far as Alexander had taken it there was only so far he could push.

Magnus nods listening to Jace’s question and swirling the liquid in his glass before he puts it down on the coffee table between them. “The clave won’t even work with the mundane governments, how can they do what is best for the mundanes without even allowing them a proper voice? At least the UWA is allowing any of all kinds to speak, with the council.” He sighs and sits up right, “Alexander has done wonders, don’t misunderstand me for thinking any less of the work he has done but the clave still isn’t as open eyed as it needs to be. It was all about hiding the downworld and even then it was an uphill battle for downworlders like me, now we need those who can help bring the downworld into the open. I’ve never been the best at hiding, much of anything but now not having to at all. I want a say in how my kind is presented. Don’t you?” 

Jace chuckled, nodding at the offering of a drink, and taking the martini as it was handed over to him. Though he frowned as he was offered a business proposal, not expecting that from the warlock. Especially not considering his new job role.

“That depends on what the proposition is.” He said, taking a sip of the drink, putting it down on a table before he crossed his arms, looking at the other concerned. “Was is it you need me for? Especially if you’re coming to me for it, and not Alec.”

-

Taking his own drink Magnus took a seat across from the shadowhunter, “Alexander has a job and he’s content with it.” The warlock wasn’t going to put politics fall in line with messing up his marriage, work was work but nothing gets in the way of the homelife. He lets out a breath, “If I thought I could talk my husband into joining I would. The UWA has me handling a few recruitments, I’m a well connected and charming.” He smiles taking another sip from his glass and placing it down on the table. “They’ve asked that I tempt you with a position and I have to say, I think you would be a good addition given your experience and connections with those outside of the Clave.”

–

After Boyd had met Mr. Lightwood-Bane on the bench and had heard one too many of Sam’s geeking out over the warlock and his husband, Boyd had decided to make an appointment with him to ward up his place. With everything that had been going on in Beacon Hills, both past and present, it was better to be safe than sorry.

When the portal appeared, Boyd couldn’t help but growl, having expected Mr. Lightwood-Bane to come knocking at his door, but immediately eased up when he saw that it was indeed him. 

“I do have a door, you know?” He stated dryly. “But thank you for taking your time, Mr. Lightwood-Bane.”

-

Magnus looked at the door and offers a soft laugh. “Apologizes, I just was at another meeting and hate being late. Portals are always the fastest and most convenient.” He explains with a wave of his hand, “And please, Magnus. Its a mouthful otherwise.” He smiles looking around the room. “And if we’re going to be engaged in business, that puts us on first name basis.”